Because of the so called economic crisis our country is going into, I felt compelled to write a paper on how to get by in tough times or how to simply save up some money. There are so many resources available both on and offline that can considerably lower your costs on everyday items.

Here are some simple online options to consider:

• Shop online - not only to save spending money on gas but to compare prices and save time that would be spent waiting in line or walking isle after isle looking for that particular item you?re looking for that you so desperately need. 

•  Search for free coupons - look through the wide variety of websites that are dedicated solely to bringing you both free printable coupons, and code coupons if you?re an online shopper.

• Make a budget - Downloadable forms are available for creating a personalized budget.  By writing down your expenses, you can clearly see where money is going to waste, making it easy to cut expenses.

• Sample Products - before you buy a new product you may want to try a free sample.  There are many websites that offer free samples shipped straight to your door at no cost that can be found as easily as doing a quick Google search.

Offline options to consider:

• Coupons - Check for coupons in the newspaper, mail, and in-store fliers.

• Eat in, not out - Cut back on eating out or don?t eat out at all, which will serve two purposes, not only will you save money, but you will greatly benefit your overall health and well-being.  If you have to eat out then look for coupons.

• Energy Conservation - Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than you would normally have it set to in the winter, use the same principle in the summer for your air conditioner Contact your utility companies for helpful information on ways to save energy.  Simply things like shutting off your computer(s) and printer(s) at night and turning off lights when you leave a room can save a considerable amount of money.

• Fuel Conservation - Purchase a smaller vehicle that is better on gas, car pull, combine trips, and ride your bicycle to nearby locations.

• Shopping for Food - Shop for specials at grocery stores, plan your meals around sale items, and invest in a large freezer to take advantage of sales by storing up and freezing food for later use.

• Clothes Shopping - A great way to save money is to purchase clothing at thrift stores that often offer a wide range of clothing sold at considerably lower prices than most other retailers.

• Back to the Basics - Grow an organic garden, and eat fresh, healthy, pesticide-free, produce in the summer and preserve vegetables for winter use. Contact your local cooperative food extension for classes on canning and freezing.

These are just a few of the many options to consider for the hard times that may be headed our way.  Check out your local library and/or the internet for more ideas to help you stretch your dollar.